Investing in school future with revamp
Aberfoyle’s primary school could be safeguarded for the future after national park planners backed alterations to the building.
Stirling Council had lodged a listed building application seeking to create an accessible entrance for the Lochard Road school via a currently vacant schoolhouse.
They also want to carry out internal alterations, partial replacement of the slate roof, stonework repairs, demolition of an outbuilding and repainting of external doors.
Park planners said: “The application is part of the council’s investment programme and is proposed to respond to a projected increase in the school roll whilst ensuring the longevity of the building to deliver continued primary education within the Aberfoyle community.
“Reports on the external and internal condition of the building identify water ingress issues at roof level (no underfelting present and slipped slates) and with rainwater goods, stone erosion and pointing issues.
“An updated report recommends full re-slating but anticipates that at least 50 per cent of existing slates could be salvaged and reused on primary roof slopes (dependent on the quality of individual slates when they are stripped and whether they can be redressed to useable sizes).
“The removal of the existing outbuildings detailed in the application, which are in poor condition, is considered acceptable as these do not contribute to the special interest of the listed buildings or their setting. Furthermore, their removal will help facilitate improved use of the school grounds for active outdoor learning.
“The more significant of the internal alterations focus on the removal of internal walls in the principal spaces and rooms of the school and schoolhouse.
“These changes have been assessed. Subject to sensitive management and methods statements (secured by condition), the effects on the overall significance of the listed building interior are not significant.
“Overall, the proposed alterations will help safeguard the continued active use of this school and enhance its condition thus ensuring it remains a key heritage and community focus for Aberfoyle.”
Aberfoyle Primary School and Schoolhouse, were, along with the adjacent Aberfoyle Parish Church, designed by the architect John Honeyman. Each are Category B listed status and have a “neo-gothic” architectural style.
The primary school and schoolhouse developed in three main phases - between 1870 and 1906, with later 20th century additions to the rear.
The schoolhouse was previously used by the school’s caretaker, when such accommodation was provided by schools. While it has been vacant for a number of years, the primary school is still in active use.
A condition survey carried out in June 2018 by consultants Pick Everard found that while overall the B-listed school building was rated as a B (satisfactory), some elements were deemed a C rating (poor) including roofs, internal walls, redecoration, fixed internal facilities and external areas. The separate, newer nursery building was found to be in generally good condition with only minor repairs needed to the internal porch door.